Kashmir observes shutdown on JRL’s call | KNO

Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

Srinagar, November 17 (KNO) : Following the call given by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley on Saturday against the Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir that commenced today.
JRL including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had called for a shutdown against the commencement of Panchayat polls today. In view of the strike call, the forces were deployed in strength in Old City and other areas to prevent any protests.However, there was no restriction in Old City areas today. According to KNO correspondent, all the shops, business establishments also remained closed while as the traffic was also thin on the roads throughout the day.Attendance in government offices, banks and post offices was also affected due to the non-availability of public transport.
Earlier, the government had also announced holiday in the poll bound areas.Meanwhile, amid tight security arrangements, the first phase of Panchayat polls began in the state.
Police in its official twitter handle said that Phase-I of Panchayat polls culminated peacefully.(KNO)